In the vast and ever-evolving world of social media, Instagram stands out as one of the most popular platforms for sharing photos and videos. While the platform has introduced various features over time, like the trendy and innovative “Reels,” sometimes all we want to do is simply post a normal video. Whether it’s a casual clip from a family gathering, a breathtaking sunset, or a silly moment with friends, knowing how to post a regular video on Instagram is a fundamental skill that every user should master.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of posting a normal video on Instagram, without the need for any fancy editing or effects. Don’t worry if you’re new to the platform or if you haven’t explored all its features just yet – this article is here to help you navigate Instagram’s basics with ease. Let’s dive in and learn how to effortlessly share your favorite moments on this beloved social media platform.
Choosing the right content for your video
A. Identify your target audience
When posting a video on Instagram, it is essential to consider your target audience. Understanding who your intended viewers are allows you to create content that resonates with them. Start by identifying the demographics, interests, and preferences of your target audience. This knowledge will guide you in selecting the right type of video content that will capture their attention and engage them.
B. Content that aligns with your brand or personal style
Another crucial aspect of choosing the right content for your Instagram video is ensuring that it aligns with your brand or personal style. Your video should reflect your unique identity and be consistent with the overall look and feel of your Instagram profile. This consistency helps build brand recognition and establishes a cohesive visual presence on your feed. For personal accounts, it allows you to showcase your personality and personal interests.
Consider the type of content that is popular among your target audience and fits well with your brand. It could be anything from behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, product demonstrations, event highlights, or even just a visually appealing moment. The key is to choose content that is authentic, relevant, and valuable to your audience.
By selecting content that appeals to your target audience and aligns with your brand or personal style, you increase the chances of your video being well-received and shared by your followers.
In the next section, we will discuss how to prepare your video for posting on Instagram, ensuring that it meets the necessary format and resolution requirements.
IPreparing your video for posting
A. Choosing the right video format and resolution
Before posting your video on Instagram, it is important to ensure that it is in the correct format and resolution to provide the best viewing experience for your audience. Instagram supports various video formats, including MP4 and MOV, so make sure your video is saved in one of these formats.
Additionally, it is recommended to optimize your video’s resolution for Instagram. The ideal resolution is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall, with an aspect ratio of 9:16. This ensures that your video will appear properly on both mobile devices and desktops.
B. Editing and optimizing your video for Instagram’s requirements
Once you have chosen the right format and resolution, it’s time to edit and optimize your video to meet Instagram’s requirements. Instagram has a maximum video length of 60 seconds for regular posts, so if your video is longer, you may need to trim or condense it.
Furthermore, consider enhancing your video’s visual appeal by editing it. You can use video editing apps or software to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation levels. You can also add filters to create a specific mood or aesthetic that aligns with your content and brand.
In addition to visual enhancements, it’s important to optimize your video’s audio as well. Make sure the sound quality is clear and audible, as many viewers watch videos with the sound on. You can adjust the audio levels or even add background music if it enhances the overall viewer experience.
Lastly, keep in mind that Instagram has a maximum file size limit for video uploads. It is best to compress your video without compromising its quality to ensure a smooth uploading process. There are various compression tools available online that can help you achieve this.
By taking the time to edit and optimize your video according to Instagram’s requirements, you will be able to present a visually appealing and engaging video to your audience. This will increase the likelihood of your video being watched and enjoyed by your followers.
IAccessing the Instagram app and selecting the upload option
A. Launching the app and navigating to the home screen
To begin the process of posting a normal video on Instagram, you will first need to access the Instagram app on your device. Locate the app’s icon on your home screen or in your app drawer and tap on it to launch the app. Once the app is open, you will be taken to the home screen.
B. Identifying the upload button and selecting the video option
On the Instagram home screen, you will find an array of icons and options at the bottom of the interface. Look for the “+ (plus)” sign at the center of the bottom menu and tap on it. This will open the “New Post” screen, which provides different options for posting content on Instagram.
Among the options on the “New Post” screen, you will see an icon representing a video camera. This is the option you need to select in order to post a normal video. Tap on the video camera icon to access your device’s library and choose a video to upload.
It is important to note that Instagram’s Reels feature, which allows for the creation of short, edited videos with special effects, is separate from posting a normal video. If you wish to post a regular video without using the Reels feature, be sure to select the appropriate option on the “New Post” screen.
Once you have selected the video option, you are ready to proceed to the next step of the posting process, which involves choosing the video from your device’s library.
By following these steps, you will be able to access the Instagram app and select the upload option to begin the process of posting a normal video on Instagram.
Selecting the video from your device’s library
Once you have prepared your video and are ready to post it on Instagram, you will need to select the video from your device’s library. This section will guide you through the process.
A. Locating your desired video in the photo library
To start, open the Instagram app on your device and navigate to the home screen. From there, tap on the “+” button at the bottom center of the screen to create a new post.
Next, you will be directed to your device’s photo library. Scroll through your library to find the video you want to post. Instagram allows you to upload videos of various formats, including MP4, MOV, and AVI, so you should be able to find your desired video without any issues.
B. Choosing the video and confirming your selection
Once you’ve located the video you want to post, tap on it to select it. You will then see a preview of the video on the screen. Take a moment to review the video and ensure it is the correct one.
If you are satisfied with your selection, tap on the “Next” button at the top right corner of the screen. This will take you to the next step of the posting process, where you can enhance your video with filters and editing tools.
If, however, you’ve changed your mind or selected the wrong video, you can tap on the “Cancel” button at the top left corner of the screen. This will take you back to your device’s photo library, where you can choose a different video.
It is important to note that Instagram has a maximum video length of 60 seconds for regular posts. If your video is longer than this, you will need to trim it down before uploading. Instagram also offers the option to post multiple videos as a carousel, allowing you to share longer videos.
By successfully selecting the video from your device’s library, you have completed an essential step in the process of posting a normal video on Instagram. Now, proceed to the next section, where you can learn how to enhance your video with filters and editing tools.
## Enhancing your video with filters and editing tools
When it comes to posting a normal video on Instagram, adding filters and using editing tools can significantly enhance its visual appeal and capture the attention of your audience. Whether you want to make your video more vibrant, adjust the brightness or contrast, or simply add a creative touch, Instagram provides a range of options to help you achieve your desired look.
### A. Exploring the available filters and previewing their effects
Instagram offers a variety of filters that can completely transform the mood and tone of your video. To access these filters, select the “Filters” option after importing your video. You can swipe left or right to preview each filter and choose the one that resonates best with the content and aesthetic you want to showcase. Additionally, filters can be adjusted in intensity by using the slider provided, allowing you to fine-tune the effect.
It’s important to note that while filters can enhance your video, it’s crucial to exercise restraint to maintain a natural and professional appearance. Overusing filters may result in an artificial or overly stylized look that can deter viewers.
### B. Making use of the editing tools to refine your video’s appearance
In addition to filters, Instagram’s editing tools offer further customization options for your video. These tools allow you to make adjustments to various aspects such as brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. To access these editing tools, select the “Edit” option after choosing your desired filter.
Experimenting with these tools can help you refine the visual quality of your video and make it more visually engaging. However, it’s essential to be mindful of not overediting, as excessive modifications may compromise the authenticity and integrity of the original content.
By combining appropriate filters and tasteful edits, you can elevate the overall aesthetic of your video and make it more captivating for your target audience. Remember, the goal is to enhance the content, not to overpower it. Therefore, exercise creativity and discretion when applying filters and editing your video to maintain a visually pleasing result.
Once you have successfully enhanced your video with filters and editing tools, you can proceed to the next step in the posting process: adding a caption that complements your video.
Adding a caption that complements your video
A. Writing a concise and engaging caption that captures attention
When posting a normal video on Instagram, adding a caption can greatly enhance the overall impact and engagement of your content. A caption provides context, sets the tone, and grabs the viewer’s attention. To create an effective caption, it’s important to keep it concise, engaging, and relevant to the video.
Start by considering the main message or story behind your video. What do you want your audience to take away from it? Craft a caption that highlights the key points or emotions conveyed in the video. Keep it short and to the point, as long captions can often be overlooked by viewers scrolling through their feed.
Additionally, incorporating humor, asking a question, or using thought-provoking statements can help capture the attention of your audience. Consider what would stand out in a sea of captions and aim to be unique and original.
B. Utilizing relevant hashtags to increase exposure
Hashtags play a crucial role in reaching a wider audience on Instagram. By using relevant hashtags, you can increase the visibility of your video and attract viewers who are interested in similar content.
Research popular hashtags within your niche or industry and identify those that are relevant to your video. For example, if you’re posting a cooking tutorial, hashtags such as #cooking, #recipe, or #foodporn could help you reach a larger audience. Include a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags to maximize your exposure.
It’s also beneficial to use location-specific hashtags if your video is related to a particular place or event. This can help attract local viewers or those interested in that specific location.
Be cautious not to overload your caption with too many hashtags, as it can make your caption appear cluttered and unprofessional. Aim for a balance of around 5-10 hashtags that are directly related to your video’s content.
Remember, the goal of using hashtags is to connect with users who are genuinely interested in your content. By utilizing relevant hashtags in your caption, you can increase the chances of your video being discovered by a wider audience and potentially gaining more engagement.
In conclusion, crafting a concise and engaging caption, along with utilizing relevant hashtags, is essential when posting a normal video on Instagram. These elements can help capture attention, provide context, and increase the overall visibility of your content. Invest time and creativity into your captions to make your videos stand out and resonate with your audience.
Tagging people and mentioning locations in your video
A. Identifying the individuals or businesses to be tagged
Tagging people and businesses in your Instagram videos is a great way to give credit, showcase collaborations, and increase engagement. Before you start tagging, identify the individuals or businesses that you want to tag in your video.
When choosing who to tag, consider the following:
1. Collaborators: If you have collaborated with someone on your video, such as a friend, influencer, or brand, make sure to tag them. This not only acknowledges their contribution but also exposes your video to their audience, potentially increasing your reach and engagement.
2. Featured individuals: If your video includes people who are the main focus or subject, consider tagging them. It could be the main characters in a skit, models showcasing your product, or performers in a music video. Tagging them gives credit and allows their followers to discover your content.
3. Relevant accounts: If there are accounts that are related to the content of your video, consider tagging them. For example, if you’re posting a video of your delicious homemade pizza, you could tag the recipe creator or food-related accounts that inspire you. This can help build relationships with similar accounts and potentially attract their audience to your profile.
B. Adding location tags to provide context or promote a specific place
Adding location tags to your Instagram videos is another way to provide context and increase engagement. Whether you’re sharing a scenic view, promoting a specific place, or simply adding another layer of information, location tags can be beneficial.
Here’s how to add location tags to your video:
1. Search for the location: On the “Add Location” screen, enter the name of the location where the video was recorded. Instagram will suggest relevant locations as you type.
2. Choose the location: Select the correct location from the list of suggestions. Make sure to pick the most accurate and relevant location to provide context and help users discover your video when they search for that location.
3. Confirm your selection: After selecting the location, Instagram will add the tag to your video. You’ll see the location name displayed below your video post.
By including location tags in your videos, you make it easier for users who are interested in that specific location to find your content. It can also attract local users who may be curious about the places you’re showcasing or promoting.
Remember, tagging people and adding location tags should be done thoughtfully and accurately. Avoid adding irrelevant tags or spamming users with unnecessary mentions. Use these features purposefully to enhance the overall experience for your audience and improve engagement.
Enabling additional features like automated captions or product tags
A. Activating automated captions for better accessibility
When posting a normal video on Instagram, it is important to consider the accessibility of your content. Instagram provides an automated caption feature that allows users with hearing impairments or those who prefer to watch videos with captions to understand the audio content.
To enable automated captions, follow these steps:
1. After selecting your video from the device’s library and enhancing it with filters and editing tools, proceed to the caption section below the video preview.
2. Tap on the “Add a caption…” field and then tap the “>” button to go to the next screen.
3. On the next screen, you will see a “Captions” option. Tap on it to activate the automated captions feature.
4. Instagram will automatically transcribe the audio in your video and generate captions. You can review and edit these captions before posting for accuracy.
By activating automated captions, you ensure that your video is more inclusive and accessible to a wider audience. It also demonstrates your commitment to creating an inclusive content experience on Instagram.
B. Utilizing the product tags feature to promote specific items
Another additional feature you can utilize when posting a normal video on Instagram is the product tags feature. This feature allows you to tag specific products featured in your video, making it easier for your audience to discover and purchase those items.
Here’s how to use product tags:
1. After enhancing your video and adding a caption, scroll down to the “Tag People” section below the caption.
2. Tap on the “Tag Products” option.
3. Instagram will prompt you to select the specific products you want to tag from a list of items available in your Facebook Shop or product catalog.
4. Tap on the desired products to tag them in your video. You can add multiple product tags if needed.
5. Once you have tagged all the relevant products, tap on the “Done” button to confirm your selections.
By utilizing product tags, you can turn your normal video into an opportunity for your audience to shop directly from your content. This feature is particularly useful for businesses looking to promote specific items or drive sales through their Instagram videos.
Remember to carefully choose the products you tag, ensuring they are relevant to the content of your video and aligned with your brand’s values.
By exploring and enabling additional features like automated captions and product tags, you can enhance the accessibility of your video and promote specific items in an engaging and interactive way. These features not only offer benefits to your audience, but they also contribute to a more inclusive and effective content strategy on Instagram.
Previewing and Making Final Adjustments
A. Reviewing Your Video and Its Accompanying Details
Once you have selected your video, applied filters, and edited it to your satisfaction, it is essential to review your work before posting it on Instagram. Take a moment to watch your video in its entirety and ensure that it aligns with your initial vision.
Pay attention to details such as the video’s length, clarity, and overall presentation. Check if there are any visible flaws or inconsistencies that need to be corrected. It’s important to present a polished and professional video to engage your audience effectively.
Besides the video itself, review the accompanying details such as the caption, tags, and location. Ensure that the caption complements your video and is concise, engaging, and attention-grabbing. Proofread it for any grammatical errors or typos.
Review the tags you have added to ensure they are relevant and will increase your video’s exposure. A judicious use of hashtags can help attract a wider audience to your content. Likewise, double-check the location tag to make sure it accurately represents the setting of your video or promotes a specific place if desired.
B. Making Any Necessary Edits or Changes Before Posting
After reviewing your video and its details, you may find the need to make final adjustments or edits. If you spot any imperfections in the video itself, such as shaky footage or lighting issues, consider utilizing the available editing tools once again to refine its appearance.
If you need to make changes to the caption or tags, you can easily edit them by tapping on the respective fields. Make sure the changes are in line with the message and purpose of your video.
Should you feel the need to experiment further with filters or other editing features, this is the time to do so. Take the opportunity to fine-tune your video until it meets your desired vision.
Remember that once you post your video on Instagram, it will be visible to your followers and potentially a wider audience. Making these final adjustments ensures that you are presenting your content in the best possible way.
It is worth noting that once your video is posted, you still have the option to delete or archive it if you are not satisfied with the outcome. However, taking the time to review and make necessary edits beforehand will help minimize the need for such actions.
Once you are satisfied with your video and have made all the final adjustments, you are ready to proceed to the next section – choosing your posting preferences.
Choosing your posting preferences
A. Selecting the appropriate visibility settings (public or private)
When posting a normal video on Instagram, it is important to consider your desired visibility settings. Instagram offers two options: public and private. Public posts can be viewed by anyone on the platform, while private posts are only visible to your approved followers.
Choosing the appropriate visibility setting depends on the nature of your video and your intended audience. If your video is meant to reach a wider audience or promote your brand, it is recommended to keep the visibility setting as public. This allows anyone who comes across your profile or your hashtags to view and engage with your video.
However, if your video contains personal or sensitive content that you prefer to share with a select group, setting your video as private would be a better option. This ensures that only approved followers can see your video, providing a sense of privacy and control over who can access your content.
B. Exploring the option to cross-post on other social media platforms
In addition to choosing your visibility settings on Instagram, you also have the option to cross-post your video on other social media platforms. This feature allows you to share your video simultaneously on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr, reaching a wider audience beyond Instagram.
To explore the option of cross-posting, you can connect your Instagram account to your other social media accounts within the Instagram app settings. Once connected, you can choose to automatically share your Instagram posts on these platforms with just a single tap.
Cross-posting can be beneficial for increasing the reach and visibility of your video, especially if you have an existing audience on other platforms. It helps to streamline your social media management efforts and simplify the process of sharing content across multiple platforms.
However, it is important to note that not all social media platforms may support the same video format or resolution requirements as Instagram. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your video is compatible with the platform you intend to cross-post on to maintain its quality and overall viewing experience.
By carefully selecting your posting preferences, such as visibility settings and the option to cross-post, you can optimize the reach and impact of your normal video on Instagram. These choices allow you to tailor your video’s audience and expand its exposure across multiple social media platforms if desired.
Posting and Sharing Your Video
A. Confirming your selections and finalizing the posting process
Once you have made all the necessary adjustments and are satisfied with your video, it’s time to confirm your selections and finalize the posting process. Ensure that everything is in place and ready to be shared with your audience.
First, double-check the video itself. Watch it one final time to make sure there are no errors or issues that need to be addressed. Take note of any potential inconsistencies or areas that may require further editing.
Next, review the accompanying details such as the caption, tags, and location. Make sure your caption complements your video and is concise yet engaging. Consider using relevant hashtags to increase exposure and reach a wider audience. Also, ensure that any individuals or businesses you want to tag are properly identified, and if applicable, add location tags to provide context or promote a specific place.
B. Sharing your video with your followers and engaging with their feedback
Once you have completed all the necessary steps, it’s time to share your video with your followers. Tap on the “Post” or “Share” button (depending on the Instagram version you are using) to make your video visible to others. Congratulations, you have successfully posted your video on Instagram!
After sharing your video, it’s crucial to engage with your audience and respond to their feedback. Keep an eye out for comments and direct messages related to your video. Respond promptly and professionally, showing your appreciation for their support or addressing any concerns they may have.
Encourage your followers to like, comment, and share your video by creating a sense of community and by providing valuable content. Engaging with your audience helps to foster a stronger connection and build a loyal following.
Remember, posting videos on Instagram is not just about sharing content, but also about building relationships with your audience. Continuously create and share captivating videos that resonate with your target audience to maintain their interest and support.
In conclusion, successfully posting a normal video on Instagram requires careful consideration of the content, preparation, and enhancement of the video, crafting an engaging caption, tagging individuals and locations, enabling additional features, making final adjustments, and ultimately sharing the video with your followers. By mastering these basics, you can take your Instagram presence to the next level and effectively leverage video content for personal or brand growth.